Tripura Sundari Katha – Chapter 3: The Rise of the Demon Bhandasur

The Rise of the Demon Bhandasura

With the rebirth of Kamadeva, a new era began in creation. However, this peace could not last forever. A terrible shadow gradually began to fall upon the heavenly kingdom of the gods, a fear arose that was difficult for even the gods to imagine. This shadow was of the demon Bhandasura, whose atrocities caused great distress in all three worlds.

The Origin of Bhandasura

Once, with the intention of disturbing Lord Shiva's penance, Kamadeva shot a flower arrow at him. Angered, Lord Shiva opened his third eye, which reduced Kamadeva to ashes. The demons collected the ashes from that fire. They consecrated the ashes through mantras and tantras, from which a terrible creature was born. His body was as vast as a mountain, his eyes burned like embers, and the earth trembled at his roar. This was Bhandasura, a demon whose heart was filled only with destruction and atrocities. With his birth, the sky turned red, the earth shook, and chaos ensued in nature.

“I am Bhandasura! Now these three worlds are mine! Gods and humans will bow at my feet!” Bhandasura roared with arrogance. His associate demons cheered him, their hatred for the gods growing even stronger. Bhandasura gathered the demons, formed his vast army, and began planning an invasion of Svarga Loka (heaven). His aim was to defeat the gods and establish his dominion over heaven.

Atrocities Against the Gods

Bhandasura invaded Svarga Loka with his vast army. He ravaged the beautiful gardens of heaven, destroyed sacred temples, and drove the gods from their thrones. The gods fled in fear. Indra, Varuna, Kubera, and other powerful gods could not stand before Bhandasura. Bhandasura's atrocities increased so much that sacrifices and rituals ceased, religious ceremonies stopped, and an era of unrighteousness was established in all three worlds. The goddesses were forced to hide to protect their honor. They were filled with despair and fear, as they saw no one who could save them from Bhandasura's atrocities.

The gods prayed to Lord Brahma, “O Grandfather! Save us from the atrocities of Bhandasura! He will not leave us alive. Please tell us how we can overcome this crisis.” Lord Brahma replied calmly, “Only the primordial divine power, Tripura Sundari, can slay Bhandasura. All of you go to her refuge. She will protect you.”

Prayer for Help from Tripura Sundari

As per Lord Brahma's command, all the gods gathered and reached Manidvipa, where the primordial divine power, Tripura Sundari, resided. They all humbly appeared before the Goddess and told her about Bhandasura's atrocities. The gods fell at the Goddess's feet and prayed, “O Mother! We have come to your refuge. Bhandasura has caused chaos in all three worlds. Please free us from his atrocities. O Jagadambe! You are our last hope.”

Hearing the piteous cries of the gods, Tripura Sundari's heart melted. Streams of compassion flowed from her eyes. She gave the gods assurance and said, “Do not fear, O gods! I will surely protect you. To slay Bhandasura, I will soon gather my powers and defeat him. Now, all of you return to your respective worlds with peace of mind. Soon, Bhandasura will meet his end.” A new ray of hope dawned in the hearts of the gods with Tripura Sundari's assurance. They bowed to the Goddess with gratitude and returned to their respective worlds. They were now waiting for Tripura Sundari to prepare for battle, knowing that their salvation would soon come.